There are multiple players in the EFL this season all of which have made a name for themselves. Whether they are a brick at the back, a midfield maestro or a clinical finisher, there are many prospects coming through the ranks. This article analyses 10 examples of the best wonderkids across the biggest stages of English football.
Nathan Lowe
Nathan Lowe is an English striker currently playing for Stoke City in the Championship. Lowe started the season in Walsall colours and was off to a flying start achieving a staggering 20 G/A in 22 league two matches. These superb performances alongside Tom Cannon’s departure from Stoke became the opportunity of a lifetime for the 19 year old to play championship football. Overall, the striker has got 26 G/A in all competitions this season being a clear indicator of his abilities. Lowe now faces temporary competition for the starting space with Al Hamadi at the club on loan.
Rocco Vata
Rocco Vata is a midfielder who plays for Watford. He joined the hornets from Celtic for £281,000 in the 2024 summer transfer window. The Irishman is 19 years of age and has played 26 games this season. Vata is a player who is confident with the ball at his feet, not being afraid to take on opponents with his pace and flair, making him an admired footballer at this level. Rocco Vata has hit the ground running in his first season in England, registering 4 goals this season. Notably, Vata scored a screamer at Craven Cottage (the home of Fulham) in the FA cup this season.
Chris Rigg
Chris Rigg is becoming a name known by all football lovers as he sets the championship alight with his skill. The 17 year old is becoming a fans favourite at the black cats as he’s a key factor to Sunderland’s success. The English midfielder is currently on 5 G/A in 31 league appearances this season. Chris Rigg is a name to be remembered by all football fans as it’s becoming increasingly likely he will make it to the very top. Rigg most recently attracted interest across several Premier League clubs however Sunderland see the player as a crucial part of the club’s good performances.
Thierry Small
Thierry Small is an English left-sided fullback for Charlton Athletic in league one. Small has started 26 matches this season achieving an impressive 12 clean sheets. The left footed defender is one of the most desired players in league one due to his immense speed and strength. At just 20 years of age, Small is a player who can most definitely establish himself in English football. Small is an academy product from Everton FC and has featured at several clubs including Southampton, St Mirren and Port Vale.
Bobby Pointon
Bobby Pointon is a midfielder currently playing for Bradford City FC in league two. The Englishman currently has 12 G/A across 41 games (in all competitions) this season. Pointon is 21 years of age and is setting the world alight with his flair and confidence on the ball. Bobby Pointon isn’t afraid to dribble past opponents and is fairly confident on the ball making him an essential asset to Bradford’s success and push for the title. To add, the starlet is an academy product from Bradford meaning the potential profits from Pointon’s eventual sale would be substantial.
James Dornelly
James Dornelly is a right back currently playing for Peterborough United in league one. The defender has started 19 times (in all competitions) for the Posh this season keeping 4 clean sheets. Dornelly has previously received an international call-up, featuring for England’s U20 squad back in November. Dornelly has potential to flourish with his exceptional link-up play and speed however needs to improve his defending to solidify his place in the starting eleven.
Kellen Fisher
Kellen Fisher is an English right back currently playing for Norwich City in the Championship. The canary is versatile featuring several times on both sides as a full back as well as a brief stint in midfield. Kellen Fisher is a confident prospect who strives forward with the ball and isn’t afraid to put in a challenge. The 20 year old has featured 31 times for Norwich already this season being a major asset to their playoff push. Many large clubs including Wolves and Sheffield united were chasing his signature in the summer transfer window and more clubs will likely come knocking at the end of the season.
Tyler Bindon
Tyler Bindon is an Australian centre back playing for Reading FC in league one. The 20 year old has started every single league match for the royals so far (34 matches) getting 2 goals over this period. The frequency that Bindon is playing is direct evidence of his qualities. He is a composed centre back who effectively silences attackers with his strength and speed. Bindon’s performances were recently rewarded with a transfer to Premier League side Nottingham Forest, potentially giving him a future opportunity to play top-flight football.
George Abbott
George Abbott is a midfielder currently playing for Notts County on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The midfielder has hit the ground running in his first season of professional football, with an impressive 8 G/A in league two this season. George Abbott plays as a holding midfielder so offensive numbers this high are abnormal as to why it’s so impressive. George Abbott is one of the better midfielders in League Two despite his inexperience. Abbott will return to Tottenham at the end of the season either giving him an opportunity at a Premier League club or being loaned to further his development.
Andre Garcia
Andre Garcia is a left back who plays for Reading in League One (alongside Tyler Bindon). Garcia is 17 years of age and is an academy graduate from the royals. The fullback has achieved 2 assists and 7 clean sheets across 33 games this season which are great numbers especially for a player of 17 years of age. Andre Garcia’s qualities are clear as he’s been scouted by multiple unnamed Premier League and Bundesliga clubs, making it increasingly likely he will receive offers in the summer transfer window.
